February 8 2012, UNC 82-Duke 72 and time is dwindling. Carolina is sure to roll on to victory and place themselves firmly atop the Atlantic Coast Conference standings. This UNC victory will also sendrival Duke back to Durham to sulk on a dark 8 mile road home.
Duke freshman guard Austin Rivers had other plans. Rivers sent one campus into a frenzy and the other into shock with a flick of the wrist. Rivers dribbled for what seemed like forever. He released the jump shot that slowly made its way toward the basket. ITS GOOD! The waves of jubilant tar heel blue fell silent. The silence inside the Dean Dome could be compared to the inside of a Chick-Fila on Sundays. The Final Score was Duke 85-UNC 84.
This three point shot was replayed on ESPN numerous times. The image of the ball hitting "nothing but net" slices through the hearts of Tar Heel supporters and makes Blue Devils sing love ballads to "King Rivers".
What makes a dramatic play in a rivalry game so compelling? Is it the genuine drama? Is it the ability of one player to send an arena to cemetery silence or a rock concert hysteria?
I really buy into the second question. One player being able to manipulate an arena's emotions is so fascinating. For instance - Case A- Walter Davis from Long Range Case B-Jeff Capel 1995
Duke vs. UNC is always a compelling matchup. I've never had the privilege of attending this matchup in person but I have one interesting perspective.
I was lucky enough to attend Duke Basketball camp in my younger year's. I know how much the rivalry means to the both sides, especially Duke. The tone which Coach K spoke to the campers during camp lectures about defending Cameron Indoor Stadium. The reverence in Duke greats eyes like Jay Williams and J.J. Redick about wearing a Duke Uniform. The rage on Tyler Hansbrough's face after being cold clocked by Gerald Henderson in 2009.-Hansbrough
I think buzzer beater's, especially in college basketball mean so much because of the pride it gives a fan-bases and programs. Austin Rivers "The Three" Duke Reaction UNC Reaction
The play represents heartache. The final scoreboard reads 85-84 and it sends the UNC student section into long dark nightmares about that Rivers kid, originally a UNC commit burning the Heels in the worst of fashions.
Jay Bilas said it best Post Game. This Duke victory was an "absolute theft". Austin Rivers, who finished with 29 points, did more than just win a game. Rivers forced College Basketball Reporters to rehash their stories and extend deadlines. He stopped parties on Franklin Street and incited tears of joy in Durham.
One little shot changed so much on February 8th in Chapel Hill, NC. College Sports mean so much to America, especially on Tobacco Road. The emotion, the desire to savor the victory and chase the dreams of a Crystal Basketball are all worth it because of wins like this. I can't wait for the sequel in Durham on March 3, 2012.
Overtime:
I am currently reading Blue Blood by Art Chansky. Great Duke UNC Story Teller about the History of the Duke Carolina Rivalry. I will be posting my review of the book very soon.
I will include interesting coverage of March Madness, Auburn Baseball, NBA coverage, MLB etc! I will also be linking my Plainsman stories here to keep you updated on everything going on with Auburn Athletics! I hope you all enjoy and spread the word!
Parrish Duke UNC Recap CBS Sports-Fantastic Recap by one of the Greatest CBB Journalist's out there.
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